An official at a state-run electricity distribution company was suspended on Wednesday for photographing Osama bin Laden in his office, describing the slain al-Qaeda founder as “the world’s best junior engineer”, officials said. .
Ravindra Prakash Gautam, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dakshinachal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL), placed a picture of bin Laden in his office, with a note at the bottom that read, “Respected Osama bin Laden, world’s best junior Engineer”. officials said.
After the picture of bin Laden with the message went viral on social media, senior district officials took cognizance and ordered the suspension of the SDO. Bin Laden’s picture was also removed from the office, he said.
Farrukhabad District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh said, DVVNL Managing Director has suspended SDO Ravindra Prakash Gautam after investigating the incident. Meanwhile, the suspended officer has defended his act.
“Anyone can be an idol. Osama was the best junior engineer in the world. The picture has been deleted, but I have several copies of it,” said Gautam.